Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Cherry Expands Paint & Sip Studio

Michael Cherry, 30, an Olympic track and field athlete who won gold in the men's 4x400m relay at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has transitioned his focus to entrepreneurship. He has opened a "paint and sip" studio named "Painting with a Twist" in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Cherry, who previously attended over 30 classes himself while traveling across the U.S., expressed his long-standing interest in the franchise concept. "I fell in love with it and started going to every single city that I stayed in and lived in," Cherry told Entrepreneur.

The studio, which Cherry took ownership of in October, has already demonstrated significant potential. During its initial period under his management, Cherry successfully reversed a decline in the studio's revenue. The business has generated over $168,000 in revenue thus far, with Cherry targeting $275,000 in annual revenue.

This venture into franchising marks the Olympic gold medalist's new career path following years of athletic achievement. Cherry's decision to invest in the "Painting with a Twist" chain highlights the growing appeal of entrepreneurship for former elite athletes.